Sample Essay Questions for College Apps

Prepare yourself--plan your admissions essays in advance.

<p> The essay: It's one of the most important parts of your college application, and it can be the hardest. But it doesn't have to be. Take a look at some of the most commonly asked essay questions and use them to prepare for your applications. Brainstorm ideas, do some research or create your own "stock" of application essays from the commonly used questions below.

Current Events and Social Issues
To test your skills at problem-solving and check how up-to-date you are on current issues, many applications include questions about problems and issues facing society.

What do you consider to be the single most important societal problem? Why?
Pick a controversial problem on college campuses and suggest a solution.
What do you see as the greatest threat to the environment today?

Personal Achievements
Colleges are looking for students who have achieved in some area of their lives. So you shouldn't be surprised to find essay topics that ask you to brag a little.

Describe how you have demonstrated leadership ability both in and out of school.
Discuss a special attribute or accomplishment that sets you apart.
Describe your most meaningful achievements and how they relate to your future goals.

Background and Influences
Who you are is closely tied to where you've been and who you've known. To learn more about you, some admissions committees will ask you to write about your background and major influences.

Pick an experience from your own life and explain how it has influenced your development.
Who in your life has been your biggest influence and why?
How has your family background affected the way you see the world?
How has your education contributed to who you are today?

Future Plans and Goals
Colleges look for applicants with vision and motivation, so they might ask about your goals and aspirations.

Briefly describe your long- and short-term goals.
Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?
Why do you want to get a college education?

Random Topics
Some essay questions don't seem directly related to your education or life experience, but committees use them to test your creativity and get a better sense of your personality.